Singapore · Citizenship
Singapore Citizenship for Founders and Investors
Permanent residents aged 21 or over can apply for Singapore citizenship after two years of PR status. The government's stated policy is that Singapore does not allow dual citizenship, and there is no citizenship-by-investment program.
- Startup route
- EntrePass
- Minimum capital
- None set; one track needs SGD 100,000 raised in one round
- Permanent residence
- No fixed period; ICA decides case by case
- Citizenship
- 2 years as a PR, aged 21 or over
Singapore Citizenship (application by permanent residents)
Adult permanent residents can apply to ICA once they have held PR for at least 2 years and are aged 21 or over, and they may include a PR spouse and unmarried children under 21 in the application. A PR married to a Singapore citizen for at least 2 years can apply with the spouse's sponsorship. Applications are filed through ICA e-Service and are processed within 12 months. Successful applicants first receive an in-principle approval; those aged 16 to 60 must then complete the Singapore Citizenship Journey before citizenship is conferred. Approval is discretionary, and decisions follow an overall assessment of the applicant and family.
- Residence
- At least 2 years as a permanent resident
- Age
- 21 or over for an independent application
- Fee at submission
- SGD 100 for adult PRs
- Fee at completion
- SGD 70 certificate plus SGD 10 identity card
- Processing time
- Within 12 months
- Civics program
- Singapore Citizenship Journey for applicants aged 16–60
- Dual citizenship
- Not allowed under government policy
Requirements
- Hold Singapore permanent residence for at least 2 years before applying.
- Be aged 21 or over, or apply as a spouse or child within a family application.
- Complete the Singapore Citizenship Journey after in-principle approval if aged 16 to 60.
- Be prepared to give up other citizenships, as Singapore does not allow dual citizenship.
- Male applicants and sons should check National Service obligations with CMPB.
How to apply
- Log in to ICA e-Service and submit the citizenship application with supporting documents.
- Pay the SGD 100 submission fee for each adult applicant.
- Await ICA's decision, issued within 12 months.
- After in-principle approval, complete the Singapore Citizenship Journey and remaining formalities.
- Pay the certificate and identity card fees when citizenship is conferred.
One citizenship only, with an oath for those who grew up dual
In a 2016 written reply to Parliament, the Minister for Home Affairs stated that Singapore does not allow dual citizenship, explaining that the country wants citizens with a long-term commitment to building a future together. In practice, adult naturalizing citizens are expected to hold Singapore citizenship alone, and a citizen who wants to give it up must be at least 21, of sound mind and already hold another country's citizenship. ICA charges SGD 35 to process a renunciation, and the government may refuse a male citizen with outstanding National Service obligations.
Children are treated differently. Minors who acquired Singapore citizenship by descent or registration and also hold another nationality must take the Oath of Renunciation, Allegiance and Loyalty after turning 21 and before their 22nd birthday, presenting a Foreign Citizenship Renunciation Certificate. ICA warns that those who miss the window lose Singapore citizenship automatically on their 22nd birthday. Founders relocating with young children should note this deadline when planning a family's long-term nationality.
No investment shortcut to a Singapore passport
Singapore does not sell citizenship. The Global Investor Programme leads only to permanent residence, and investors who gain PR through it follow the same rules as any other PR when they later apply to become citizens: two years of PR status, an ICA application and discretionary approval. Business investment can still matter indirectly, since ICA's assessments consider economic contribution, but no amount of capital creates a right to citizenship. Founders comparing passports across Asia should treat Singapore citizenship as a long-term residence outcome rather than an investment product.
Questions and answers
How soon after receiving PR can a founder apply for Singapore citizenship?
A permanent resident can apply after holding PR for at least 2 years, provided the applicant is 21 or older. The PR spouse and unmarried children under 21 can be included. ICA processes applications within 12 months, and approval is discretionary, so meeting the minimum period does not mean citizenship will be granted.
Can a new Singapore citizen keep a foreign passport?
Singapore's government has stated that it does not allow dual citizenship, and adult citizens are expected to hold only Singapore citizenship. Children who hold Singapore and foreign citizenship by descent or registration must renounce the foreign citizenship and take an oath between their 21st and 22nd birthdays, or lose Singapore citizenship automatically.
What is the Singapore Citizenship Journey?
It is a mandatory program for citizenship applicants aged 16 to 60. It is completed as part of the formalities that follow ICA's in-principle approval, and citizenship is conferred only after it is done. ICA's citizenship page lists it as a required step but does not publish further detail on its content.
Can investing in Singapore lead to a Singapore passport?
Not directly, because citizenship is not for sale in Singapore. The Global Investor Programme grants permanent residence to qualifying business owners and investors, and citizenship can only follow later through the standard ICA application after at least two years as a permanent resident.
Official sources
- Singapore Citizenshipwww.ica.gov.sg
- Oath-taking for Minorswww.ica.gov.sg
- Renunciation of Singapore Citizenshipwww.ica.gov.sg
- Written Reply to Parliamentary Question on Possibility of Dual Citizenship for Singaporeanswww.mha.gov.sg
Reviewed October 2026. Immigration rules change often. Confirm the current requirements with the official authority or a licensed adviser before applying.
Your path in Singapore.
Startup visa
EntrePass for a 30%-owned, venture-backed or innovative company
02Temporary residence
EntrePass renewals tied to business spending and local workforce
03Permanent residence
Discretionary ICA application, or the GIP for large investors
04Citizenship
Apply after 2 years as a PR; other citizenships must be given up